WCBA Board Meeting Minutes

Meeting minutes are the official written record of what took place during a meeting.

In short, meeting minutes protect the organization and keep everyone aligned on what was discussed, decided, and assigned

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Meeting Minutes Overview

President: Carolyn Beko, Redmond Rare Coins, cb@redmondrarecoins.com
Vice-President: Bryan Geraghty, Northgate Rare Coins, bryangeraghty@outlook.com
Treasurer: David Anderson, Goldmine, daa906@yahoo.com
Secretary: Craig Rhyne, WA Gold Exchange, craig@washingtongoldexchange.com
Membership Chairman: Jake Graham, American Coin & Vault, jake@americancoinandvault.com
Lobbyists: Mark Gjurasic and Chester Baldwin, mgjurasic@lobbywa.com and chet@lobbywa.com

Send contributions / dues to:
WCBA, c/o Goldmine
3107 56th St.
Gig Harbor, WA 98335

March 25, 2026

Washington Coin & Bullion Association

President:  Carolyn Beko, Redmond Rare Coins, cb@redmondrarecoins.com

Vice-president:  Bryan Geraghty, Northgate Rare Coins, bryangeraghty@outlook.com

Treasurer:  David Anderson, Goldmine, daa906@yahoo.com

Secretary:  Craig Rhyne, WA Gold Exchange, craig@washingtongoldexchange.com

Membership Chairman:  Jake Graham, American Coin & Vault, jake@americancoinandvault.com

Lobbyists:  Mark Gjurasic and Chester Baldwin, mgjurasic@lobbywa.com and chet@lobbywa.com [Lobby Washington]

Send contributions / dues to:  WCBA, c/o Goldmine, 3107 56th St., Gig Harbor, WA 98335

 

Minutes of 5:15 pm Zoom Board of Directors meeting 

March 25, 2026

  1. Present: Carolyn Beko, Bryan Geraghty, Craig Rhyne, David Anderson, and Jake Graham.
  2. We discussed the failed result of our legislative efforts to reinstate the sales tax exemption, including a review of possible things we could have done better.
  3. Craig and Jake noted that we lost just like every other organization asking for reinstatement of our exemption, yet it seems one organization was successful. Neither thought we could have done more, and Craig pointed out it took three years to get our exemption passed, in years 1983 to 1985. 
  4. There was discussion about whether or not Mark and Chet worked hard enough, and Carolyn wants us to be more definitive about “deliverables” with them, with a formal Request for Proposal document for renegotiating with current or future lobbying representation.  Craig pointed out how Mark is on contract with Chet, who is the sole owner of Lobby Washington.
  5. Treasurer David previously texted us a copy of the one-year contract with Lobby Washington that ends May 31, 2026.
  6. David reported our bank balance is roughly $3,000, and we are current with our lobbying bill through March.
  7. Jake has indicated that he will raise more funds to continue our work. He mentioned Joe Mann, and Gary? At Tri-City Vault.
  8. Craig, Jake and Bryan all suggested that we simply renegotiate a new contract with Lobby Washington, with Craig and Bryan pointing out that we cannot afford the current $5,000 fee per month. Instead, Bryan (and/or Jake) suggested we ask Lobby Washington for another year of service for $3,000 per month when the legislature is not in session, $5,000 per month when the legislature is in session.
  9. Besides getting the current board minutes sent out, Craig needs to get Carolyn’s report to WCBA members sent out and to Reeve for our website. [reeve@buildlaunch.com]. 
  10. There was a discussion about needing updated Bylaws, and the need to involve other WCBA members in our work to lighten the load on the Board. We discussed having Subcommittees, such as a Fundraising Committee.
  11. We discussed the need to meet with key legislators between now and the next legislative session.
  12.  Carolyn suggested we establish 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year Board terms so that the rotation would give continuity and involve more WCBA members.
  13. We closed the meeting without setting our next Board meeting.

 

Submitted 3/30/26 by Secretary Craig Rhyne

Present: Carolyn Beko, Bryan Geraghty, Craig Rhyne, Mark Gjurasic (lobbyist), Chester Baldwin (lobbyist), David Anderson, Jake Graham.

  • Carolyn received letters from three former U.S. Mint Directors recommending reinstatement of the tax exemption on precious metals and coins. Copies were sent to various Representatives and Senators, including Senator Dhingra and Rep. Amy Walen.

  • Jake left voicemails and texted Senator Marcus Riccelli requesting a hearing; however, no hearing was granted.

  • Mark reported that the legislature passed an $80 billion budget, and WCBA did not receive a hearing in the House or Senate. A reconciliation of the House and Senate bills will occur before the final bill is expected by the end of session on March 12th.

  • Mark stated there is less than a 10% chance of relief this session. Continued meetings with Rep. Walen, Sen. Riccelli, and others are critical before the next session begins in January 2027.

  • Treasurer David Anderson reported a bank balance of approximately $3,000; lobbying bills are current through March.

  • Budget writers for the final bill must be contacted to request inclusion of the tax exemption — the last opportunity for relief this session.

  • Chester Baldwin identified approximately eight legislators/staff who could influence the final budget in the remaining days: Sen. Riccelli, Sen. Jamie Pedersen, Sen. Bob Hasegawa, Sen. Manka Dhingra, Sen. June Robinson, Rep. Timm Ormsby, Rep. April Berg, Rep. Lisa Callan Connors (if intended to be Connors), Rep. Mike Springer, and Sen. Noel Frame. The list was divided among board members for final appeals.

  • Send photos and website corrections to Reeve Normandia at reeve@buildlaunch.com.

  • Next board meeting: Tuesday, March 10th at 5:15 pm (Zoom). Invitations to be sent by Mark G.

Submitted 3/4/26 by Secretary Craig Rhyne

Present: Carolyn Beko, Bryan Geraghty, Craig Rhyne, Mark Gjurasic (lobbyist), Chester Baldwin (lobbyist), David Anderson, Jake Graham.

  • Carolyn spoke with Rep. Amy Walen regarding the fiscal impact of sales tax on precious metals and coins. The Department of Revenue must be lobbied regarding inaccurate revenue projections.

  • Corrections are needed to the Executive Summary and Legislative Update before posting to the website and sending via newsletter. The Action Alert must reflect that the Dept. of Revenue projected $56.1 million in revenue over two years from taxing coin dealers.

  • A letter was sent to Kate Armstrong to correct misinformation regarding tax projections considered by the Ways & Means Committee.

  • Mark, Jake, and Carolyn are continuing calls to Rep. Walen and Sen. Riccelli requesting hearings.

  • The WCBA Executive Summary and Pat Heller article, “Resisting Rollbacks of Coin / Precious Metals Sales Tax Exemptions,” should be sent to all State Representatives and Senators.

  • Treasurer David Anderson reported sufficient funds to remain current on lobbying bills.

  • Reeve Normandia is working with Jake Graham and Bryan Geraghty so their company websites reflect support of WCBA efforts.

  • Carolyn reported that a letter from three former U.S. Mint Directors will be sent to Washington legislators recommending reinstatement of the exemption.

  • Dealers are encouraged to contact legislators regarding lost sales due to the tax imposed 1/1/2026 and to explain that revenue projections are erroneous.

  • Next meeting: Tuesday, March 3rd at 5:15 pm (Zoom). Invitations to be sent by Mark G.

Submitted 3/4/26 by Secretary Craig Rhyne

Present: Carolyn Beko, Bryan Geraghty, Craig Rhyne, Mark Gjurasic (lobbyist), David Anderson, Jake Graham, Reeve Normandia (guest, website).

  • Reeve is assisting members in promoting WCBA efforts on their individual company websites.

  • Carolyn requested a current legislative update from Mark Gjurasic to post on the website and include in a newsletter.

  • Discussion regarding upcoming state Revenue Projection due 2/20/2026. An earlier projection reported a budget shortfall of approximately $5+ million.

  • David Crenshaw and Dan Duncan organized an update/appeal to approximately 747,000 “Grey Sheet” subscribers. Dan is covering the $1,500 cost.

  • Mark, Jake, and Carolyn are contacting Rep. Walen and Sen. Riccelli requesting hearings.

  • WCBA currently has 18 cosponsors on HB 2115 and 8 cosponsors on SB 5894. Bills remain alive.

  • Treasurer David Anderson reported a bank balance of approximately $8,300 — sufficient to cover the $5,000 March lobbying bill.

  • Craig is investigating restricted MailChimp access for Reeve to distribute newsletters efficiently.

  • Jake contacted Sen. Riccelli’s aide to ensure testimony opportunity on SB 5894.

  • Mark reported March 12th is the last day of session.

  • Coin shows continue moving out of state due to the sales tax. PNNA moved its show to Oregon. Boeing Employees Coin Club previously cancelled its Washington show.

  • Dealers are encouraged to contact legislators regarding lost sales and erroneous projections.

  • Next meeting: Wednesday, February 25th at 5:15 pm (Zoom). Invitations to be sent by Mark G.

Submitted 2/20/26 by Secretary Craig Rhyne

Present: Carolyn Beko, Bryan Geraghty, Craig Rhyne, Mark Gjurasic (lobbyist), David Anderson.

  • Continued strategy to secure sponsors for Senate Bill 5894.

  • Sen. Mark Liias met with Bryan; positive meeting.

  • Meeting with Sen. Riccelli; request for prime sponsorship.

  • Sen. Chris Gildon agreed to cosponsor.

  • Treasurer reported $6,000 in bank; Coin Cradle sent $5,000.

  • Emphasis on communicating that 45+ states have exemptions.

  • Boeing Employees Coin Club cancelled annual show due to tax.

  • Member updates to be distributed.

  • Website photos still needed for David and Bryan.

  • Upcoming meetings: Sen. Frame; Sen. Dhingra aide; Rep. Amy Walen Jan. 13, 2026.

  • Website developer: Reeve Normandia.

  • Next meeting: January 7, 2026.

Submitted 12/21/25 by Craig Rhyne

Present: Carolyn Beko, Bryan Geraghty, Craig Rhyne, Mark Gjurasic, Jake Graham, David Anderson, Chester Baldwin.

  • Rep. Amy Walen prime sponsor (House); Rep. Ed Orcutt cosponsor.

  • Meetings scheduled with Sen. Riccelli and Rep. Strom Peterson.

  • Treasurer reported $1,777 in bank; lobbying current.

  • Public outreach suggested (podcasters Glen Morgan, Sean Reynolds, Brandi Kruse; William Kirk).

  • Legislative Updates section to be added to website.

  • Next meeting: December 17.

Submitted 12/3/25 by Craig Rhyne

  • Rep. Amy Walen confirmed as prime sponsor; Rep. Ed Orcutt cosponsor.

  • Meetings planned with Sen. Riccelli and Rep. Strom Peterson.

  • Treasurer reported ~$7,000; $5,000 promised; $5,000 lobbying bill due.

  • Newsletter to include President’s photo and statement.

  • Website improvements underway.

  • Next meeting: December 3.

  • Surprise guest: Karen Feldman.

  • Website upgrades approved; $1,000 annual budget.

  • Bank balance: $600+; $5,400 incoming.

  • ACTION ALERT flyers mailed.

  • Next meeting: November 19.

  • Bank balance: $16,002.

  • Policy paper finalized.

  • Website upgrades required by Sept 26.

  • Next meeting: September 30.

  • Bank balance: $5,210.

  • Two new dealers joined at $1,400 each.

  • Policy paper in progress.

  • Next meeting: September 17.

  • Bank balance: $2,410.99.

  • Invitation to join WCBA approved.

  • Next meeting: August 20.

  • Carolyn Beko confirmed President.

  • Articles of Incorporation filed.

  • Bylaws approved.

  • EIN and bank account established.

  • Monthly Zoom meetings approved.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery, Tacoma

  • WCBA reinstated after emergency fundraising.

  • Lobby Washington hired.

  • Suggested dues approved.

  • Monthly meetings approved.